By Pemphero Malimba:
The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has said that the navigation fees it has been collecting have almost doubled to at least K6.2 billion in 2023, compared to K3.8 billion collected in 2017.
The department’s Chief Telecommunication Engineer, Mzondi Nyirenda, revealed this during a media tour at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe.
The tour was organised for the media to appreciate the impact of the expansion of the terminal building and provision of new state-of-the-art radar equipment by the Japanese Government at the airport, as the two nations were commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations.
Apart from touring the equipment, reporters also appreciated the KIA Solar Power Farm, which generates at least 0.8 megawatts.
Nyirenda said the provision of the radar equipment was commendable as the country is realising more revenue than it was making during the previous years.
He added that the new equipment has also helped to increase the number of flights that the airport handles on a daily basis.
“In the past, the airport used to handle at least 40-50 flights daily, but currently we are handling over 100 flights, including flights that just pass through Malawi airspace, arriving, departing and training flights on a daily basis.
“Flight operators normally prefer to fly using countries that have radar equipment as they feel safer,” he said.
Japanese Ambassador to Malawi Yoichi Oya pledged his government’s continued support towards various sectors for Malawi’s development.
“Japan and Malawi have been enjoying their friendship for 60 years. The sites visited during the tour showcase our commitment to sectors such as education, agriculture and infrastructure. We will continue our support in such areas which are in line with Malawi 2063,” Oya said.
KIA was constructed with assistance from the Japanese government through a loan. Its construction work started around 1978 and it was officially opened to traffic in April 1982.
0 Comments